Search Alma: > Log-in to my Alma


Communication

Our Mission

The Communication program merges Alma’s liberal arts emphasis on interdisciplinary study with a subject that is both timeless and timely: human communication. Communication majors investigate how messages and media influence individuals, groups, and societies. This investigation leads students to better understand, analyze, and address communication problems and practices in their interpersonal, organizational, technological and cultural contexts.


April 2007 inductees into the communication honorary society, Lambda Pi Eta. Communication faculty members: Drs. Joanne Gilbert (far left), Micheal Vickery (left center) and Janie Diels (far right).

April 2007 inductees into the communication honorary society, Lambda Pi Eta. Communication faculty members (standing): Drs. Joanne Gilbert (far left), Micheal Vickery (left center) and Janie Diels (far right).


Major and Minor

Communication majors complete core classes in communication and cognate areas such as ethics, critical thinking and language study. Students also choose a concentration of advanced courses in communication complemented by classes in allied disciplines. Majors in all concentrations take integrative capstone seminars and complete a required intership. Internships may be completed locally, overseas or through domestic programs such as the

The Communication Major prepares students for graduate work in communication, media studies, journalism, public affairs, law, psychology and sociology, and to careers in fields like public relations, journalism, telecommunications, corporate communication, consulting, counseling, social work and human resources.

The department offers a minor in communication studies as well as an interdisciplinary minor in digital communication and new media.

Click here for a one-page information sheet (PDF). 

 

Thirty-four percent of Alma students participate in intercollegiate athletics. Alma College competes at the NCAA Division III level as a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the oldest existing athletic conference in the nation.

 

Faculty Profile

Dr. Joanne Gilbert

Dr. Joanne Gilbert
Departments: Communication

Dr. Joanne Gilbert, Professor of Communication teaches courses in Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Performance, Advocacy, Humor, and many other areas of the field. She is deeply committed to service learning and often includes student-community interaction in her classes.